The Spinners

Also, The Spinners are known in England as The Detroit Spinners or The Motown Spinners because a Liverpool based folk band had taken the name in Britain during the 1960s. In 2003 No Doubt released a cover version of "It's My Life" which became a international hit. In their recently released box set The Chrome Collection, The Spinners were lauded by David Bowie and Elvis Costello. Webb also collaborated under the name of Rustin Man with Beth Gibbons and released Out of Season in 2002. They are big draws on the oldies and nostalgia concert circuits, and continue to play the music that made them famous. In 1998, Mark Hollis released his eponymous debut Mark Hollis. Even though their last hits were over 20 years ago, the bright lights of their 1972-1976 run of the charts continues to provide for the current members. Paul Webb and Lee Harris went on to form the band .O.rang.

The Spinners appeared on the charts only twice more, both in 1980. After Laughing Stock, the band broke up. When Wynne left the group in 1977, the hits dried up. Laughing Stock crystallized the experimental sound the band started with Spirit of Eden (which has been retroactively categorized as "post-rock" by some critics) and both are widely regarded as the group's masterpieces. This turned out to be a precursor to disco, the dance music fad that came several years later. The less commercial sound did not go well with their label EMI, so they moved to Verve Records to release Laughing Stock in 1991. The Detroit band's popularity was contributed to by their producer, Thom Bell, who was beginning to be recognized for his trademark Philly soul or "Philadelphia Sound". They eventually abandoned the New Romantic style completely with Spirit of Eden (1988), an album founded on improvised structures and diverse, natural instruments (violin, harmonica) instead of a synth-driven, pop song mold.

With songs like "I'll Be Around", "Sadie", "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love", "Rubberband Man", "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)", and "Then Came You", The Spinners had cemented their place in pop music history. With the addition of unofficial fourth member Tim Friese-Greene in 1983, replacing Simon Brenner on keyboards and becoming producer for the band, each successive Talk Talk release became more sophisticated and original. The Spinners began a climb up the charts that put 11 songs in the Top 40 pop charts between 1972 and 1976. Though they were identified with the New Romantic movement and bands such as Duran Duran, Talk Talk had a progressive depth their contemporaries lacked. They did not achieve another commercial hit until singer Philippe Wynne joined the group, and (as legend has it) Aretha Franklin suggested the group finish out their Motown contract, and change to Atlantic Records. The band achieved moderate success in the early to mid 1980s with several hit singles, including, "Today" (1982), "Talk Talk" (1982), "Such A Shame" (1984), "Its My Life" (1984) and "Life's What You Make It" (1986). Success mostly eluded them until 1970, when they had a hit with Stevie Wonder's composition, "It's A Shame". Talk Talk were an English synth-pop group formed in 1981 by Mark Hollis (vocals/guitar/songwriter), Paul Webb (bass), Lee Harris (drums), and Simon Brenner (keyboards).

They also signed to Berry Gordy's Motown label, based in Detroit. Ascension Day (1991). The Spinners first hit the charts in 1961, with "That's What Girls Are Made For." In 1964, they made their debut at the Apollo Theater and won instant acclaim, a rare feat at the time. New Grass (1991). Dixon was the first to go. After The Flood (1991). Dixon, and Bobbie Smith called themselves the Domingoes. Early on, The Spinners established a pattern of rapidly going through lead singers. Living In Another World (1991).

Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, George W. Such A Shame (1990). A group of friends in a Detroit, Michigan high school in 1957 came together to make music. Life's What You Make It (1990). The band still tours as of 2004. It's My Life (1990). The Spinners are a Detroit-based soul band popular in the 1960s and 1970s. I Believe In You (1988).

I Don't Believe In You (1986). Give It Up (1986). Living In Another World (1986). Life's What You Make It (1986) (USA #90, UK #16).

Dum Dum Girl (1984). Such A Shame (1984) (USA #89). It's My Life (1984) (USA #31). My Foolish Friend (1983).

Today (1982) (UK #14). Talk Talk (1982) (UK #23). Mirror Man (1982). Remixed (2001).

12X12 Original Remixes (2000). History Revisited (1991). Time It's Time (2003). Introducing (2003).

Essential (2003). Missing Pieces (2001). The Collection (2000). Asides Besides (1998).

The Very Best of Talk Talk (1997). Natural History (1990). London 1986 (live) (1999). Laughing Stock (1991).

Spirit of Eden (1988). The Colour of Spring (1986). It's My Life (1984). The Party's Over (1982).